Royal Islander???

[BSQ]

I am looking at week 41 or 42 which would be in October that seems like a good time, and because it is still hurricane season, maybe the resort wouldn't be too crowded.

My first purchased that I've owned since pre-construction is wk 39 at the Caribbean. The resorts aren't packed crowded, though the Sands always seems to be at this time ... maybe from everyone at the tri-royals going over there? Anyway, while the resorts are full, not overcrowded, Cancun itself is not as crazy crowded as during more peak weeks. As an example, we never have to wait at a restaurant, and we never need to make reservation. Yes the weather can be a bit fickle, but for the most part it's been nice rather than stormy.

 

[maja651]

BSQ -

I am so happy to hear that about the falls months! We had to trade our normal spring weeks for weeks 41 and 42 this year and I was a bit nervous about it due to the weather, etc. We are used to very little rain in April, and not super crowded either. Can you tell me anything else to expect during those weeks?

Michelle

 

[pjrose]

There are no floating units at the Royals. Be sure that you don't buy at the Royal Sunset or Royal lagoon...they have floaters.

And they are NOT part of the Royal Resorts. The following are the ONLY Royal Resorts in Mexico:
VCI (Vacation Club International, AKA Club International de Cancun)
Royal Mayan
Royal Caribbean
Royal Islander
Royal Sands
Royal Haciendas (Playa del Carmen)

I am also a bit worried about the party seen. I think I read maybe even in this post that it is not a party place. I would hope that was the case here.

These are more family resorts than party resorts. There will be young people and couples, but I've rarely seen a problem (maybe 2-3x in 18+ years?), and on those rare occasions security has asked people to be quiet or leave or even called police.

Personally if I didn't have sun on my balcony while having my morning coffee I'd be very disappointed. I think the unit's location can be very important.

And in contrast, I don't do mornings or coffee, and avoid the sun in favor of the shade! Definitely consider location. Many of us in this group will be able to tell you about the view, sun, etc of units you are considering!

I bought at the Sands pre-construction and sold it a few years ago. It is beautiful, but very much like a hotel in size. There are not enough elevators to accommodate the number of guests and you will do a lot of walking when there. I found the resort to have a "cold" feel and I believe many feel the same as I do, even 7 years later. I own a fall week at the Caribbean which I will use for the first time this year, and have stayed twice on exchanges at the Mayan. I felt more at home at the Mayan than I ever did at the Sands.

Yes, definitely, I agree with KarenLK on the different feels, as well as with Maja651's list.

I wish I could just make a decision. Seems like whichever I choice can't be wrong???

That's right!

 

[buceo]

...top floor you would get a top floor but not necessarily the same unit???

I think I read maybe even in this post that it is not a party place. I would hope that was the case here.

That is certainly the case, these are strongly family oriented / non party resorts. All are fixed week and unit. I just meant a top floor unit with an all-day-sun balcony (in winter), just pointing out preferences that can even differ by season.

 

[jschmidt]

BSQ -

We had to trade our normal spring weeks for weeks 41 and 42 this year and I was a bit nervous about it due to the weather, etc. Can you tell me anything else to expect during those weeks?

Michelle

Two years ago Hurricane Wilma hit Cancun on the weekend between Weeks 41 and 42. We were scheduled for Weeks 42, 43 and 44 and had to postpone for one week. During week 43 the Royals came up with a deal where you could trade the week(s) you lost from the hurricane so we traded and stayed on through Week 45.

We arrived in Cancun 6 days after the hurricane hit. It was the Second commercial flight into Cancun. There were no timeshare guys hounding us at the airport. Awesome!

It was by far our most memorable vacation.

 

[m61376]

Hi

WE have 3 small children, do not need to travel within the school calendar, but this Islander I saw was Presidents week, which would be huge for us.

Anyone out there own the Islander or any other royals that can give me some advice?

Thanks

Keep in mind that small children grow ...seriously, you will be dealing with the school calendar sooner than you wish, so I would consider that before making a fixed week purchase that will only be good to you as a trader a few years from now.

 

[BSQ]

BSQ -

I am so happy to hear that about the falls months! We had to trade our normal spring weeks for weeks 41 and 42 this year and I was a bit nervous about it due to the weather, etc. We are used to very little rain in April, and not super crowded either. Can you tell me anything else to expect during those weeks?

Michelle

ummm. Hot, humid and pop up thundershowers. Not sure what else you are looking for since the resorts all have the same outstanding service year round. There's no chair hogging, I've never had any problem getting MY chair each morning, and I definitely don't head out at the crack of dawn. The ocean is usually rough, but we've had calm as glass days as well. There's always plenty of room at the Islander pool bar. To me the guests are an older crowd. But that might just be my own perception since I am a good 20-something years younger than the typical [original] owners.

to the OP, definitely consider not only what works for your family today, but you have to pull out your crystal ball and figure out if it will still work for you 20 years from now.

 

[jschmidt]

To me the guests are an older crowd.

You're very very very right! The older the Royal Resort the older the crowd.

 

[jazz]

We are in Phase II at the Sands. I agree that Phase I is very crowded and feels more "commercial", especially during our weeks - 51 & 52. Phase II has a quieter, more intimate feel at the pools than Phase I. The beach is part of the resort, rather than separated from the pool areas as they are at the tri-Royals. Being able to access the beach easily, and have it in view when at the pools is a real plus for us.

In my experience, I have never encountered any rude staff at the front desk at the Sands, or anywhere else on site. All the staff have always been unfailingly polite and pleasant.

 

[michamato]

I think I have made a decision at least on the weeks maybe. I am looking at week 17 and possibly 41, and the resort right now I am looking at with those weeks is the Royal Sands. I like the extra years that the Sands has, but I would look at all the others during those weeks too.

Has anyone ever deposited a week with interval with this resort? I also hear alot about AC certificate?? Would these weeks qualify, or would I do better choosing another week??

I intend to use this almost every year, and I like week 16 (can't really find one) or 17 because it is April and not much going on even in the schools.
My children will be in 1st and K, and one in preschool.

I know later on I will have to follow the school schedule more closely, and maybe even get our exact school vacation week, but the prices for them are so high, I think I can take my chances and try to rent that week if I had to have it.

Any more great ideas?
I have already learned so much from here, thanks again!!!!!!!!

 

[Blue Skies]

We have never deposited our Royal Sands with Interval, but we get offered an AC for it every year.

 

[michamato]

We have never deposited our Royal Sands with Interval, but we get offered an AC for it every year.

How does that happen? I guess I don't know half as much about this as I should. Because I am considering buying, I am not sure I would be able to use my year in 2008. I would either rent it or deposit into interval, and try to get the most out of it, maybe two weeks the following year, etc...

Is it the Royal Sands that gets the AC or is it the week or combination of both??

 

[pjrose]

How does that happen? I guess I don't know half as much about this as I should. Because I am considering buying, I am not sure I would be able to use my year in 2008. I would either rent it or deposit into interval, and try to get the most out of it, maybe two weeks the following year, etc...

Is it the Royal Sands that gets the AC or is it the week or combination of both??

Interval sends us letters every year offering a bonus week if we deposit our entire unit (Royal Caribbean and Royal Islander). That gives you 2 for 1, BUT be aware that you might not be able to find a Royals week in exchange, and you can't search for an exchange for the bonus week until 60 days before traveling, which makes planning for airfare rather difficult. It's great if you can be flexible and/or if air is not a problem.

 

[M&M]

Great Ideas?

I think I have made a decision at least on the weeks maybe. I am looking at week 17 and possibly 41, and the resort right now I am looking at with those weeks is the Royal Sands. I like the extra years that the Sands has, but I would look at all the others during those weeks too.


I intend to use this almost every year, and I like week 16 (can't really find one) or 17 because it is April and not much going on even in the schools.
My children will be in 1st and K, and one in preschool.


Any more great ideas?
I have already learned so much from here, thanks again!!!!!!!!

Have you thought of renting out a week 16 or 17 next Spring just to see what the resorts are like and what Cancun is like at that time of year? I know that on www.mexicondo.com there are units both for rent and for sale that are available during that time frame. If you see a week that you're interested in, you could always make an offer.

Good Luck,
Mike

 

[michamato]

thanks Mike,

I have thought about it, but unfortunatly, we would probably not be able to travel again to Mexico till 2009, or late 2008. We (as I noticed you are) are also DVC members. I have some upcoming vacations with Disney and then a Disney cruise in 2008. With 3 young children it is hard to try and fit in another week, although not impossible, but week 16 or 17 for 2008 won't work. (I would be pulling them out of school twice at least for week 17).

My thought about buying now was for price. I wanted to look around for a good deal and get it now, rather than wait it out till late 2008 to start. I may just sit tight though and watch and see how the prices do. When I orginally put my offer in on the Aruba surf Club, they were passing ROFR in Jan for 3K less than what mine failed for in July. I know we are not dealing with ROFR, but the prices could still change a bit. I know the all the Resorts are nice, and since I am fairly new to this, maybe I should take a trip and see before I purchase!!!!!

 

[michamato]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I decided on The Royal Sands, week 16 which I just finalized my contract for. My use year won't start until 2009, which is exactly what I wanted.

I am very excited, and I had two EXCELLENT resale oppurtunites from members of TUG. It was an extremely difficult decision on what week to purchase ( i was stuck between 16 and 17).

I would be glad to give a reference for either of the two sellers if anyone is ever interested in purchasing.

It was a great experience, and I look forward to being a Royal owner!!!

 

[BSQ]

congrats and welcome to the Family

 

[buceo]

Welcome! Sounds great and as of today a lot better than a week 33, starting Saturday. Hurricane Dean's predicted path and strength is rather foreboding to say the least, Yucatan landfall as a Cat IV on Tuesday the 21st .

 

[michamato]

We will have to keep a close eye on that hurricane, there is no backing out of my contract now!!! lol!!!!

Thanks for the welcome!!

 

[buceo]

We will have to keep a close eye on that hurricane, there is no backing out of my contract now!!! lol!!!!

Thanks for the welcome!!

We'll be fine, those of us sitting here watching until our weeks arrive because the Royal Resorts have survived this before. I sure hope the locals (and the tourists) do okay no matter where it hits; it sure is hard on them, but they seem to bounce back even stronger after the storm. Wilma was sure hard to watch, but the rebuilding afterward was just amazing. They know how to get it done. We're to head down in 10 days ourselves (on a coupon). These final days before the trip were already going slow, now they are really crawling.

 

[michamato]

I know how that feels, waiting now till week 16 in 2009 seems like it will never get here. Time really drags like that.

Good luck and let us know how they survive that storm. I saw the path 5 minutes ago on Fox

 

[maja651]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I decided on The Royal Sands, week 16 which I just finalized my contract for. My use year won't start until 2009, which is exactly what I wanted.

I am very excited, and I had two EXCELLENT resale oppurtunites from members of TUG. It was an extremely difficult decision on what week to purchase ( i was stuck between 16 and 17).

I would be glad to give a reference for either of the two sellers if anyone is ever interested in purchasing.

It was a great experience, and I look forward to being a Royal owner!!!

Welcome to week 16 at the Sands! As you know, we own week 16 there as well! We'll have to meet at happy hour in 2009!

Michelle

 

[michamato]

we will meet at happy hour for sure!!!! You won't be able to miss us with the 3 kids!! I am excited about planning for it now, I think airfare will be available 11-12 months before, so that isn't so far away

 

[maja651]

we will meet at happy hour for sure!!!! You won't be able to miss us with the 3 kids!! I am excited about planning for it now, I think airfare will be available 11-12 months before, so that isn't so far away

If you use miles for your flights, make sure you book them the EXACT DAY you can. The April weeks are hard to use miles on if you do not book as soon as you are allowed to. Just a heads up.

Michelle

 

[michamato]

I am searching now to get an idea of what the prices would be like that week 16. I did it before I purchased also. I think it will be OK, but I need to be on top of it like you said. I am like that anyway, so I will be crazy until they come out.
Jet blue flies direct from Boston to Cancun. But....there prices are not out yet for April 2008. Hard to tell what price they would be at, and if it would be worth waiting. I would LOVE a direct flight, so I will have to do some research and see who flies direct.